Ortlieb Vario High Vis test: From rucksack to pannier in just a few seconds

Who doesn't know the annoying decision between a rucksack and a pannier? With backpack-bike bag combinations, this question is a thing of the past; the Vario High Vis from Ortlieb is one such practical item. This rucksack-bag combination can be easily attached to the pannier rack and converted into a rucksack in just a few seconds. This makes it easy to transport luggage on the bike. The rucksack is then available off the bike. A flexible transport solution for everyday use and bike tours.

Of course, Ortlieb is not the only company to offer such shape-shifters. MYBIKE tested 12 models that are bike bag and rucksack or bike bag and shoulder bag in one.

The Vario High Vis

One side of the Vario High Vis from Ortlieb offers the tried-and-tested Quick-Lock 2.1 (optionally also Quick-Lock 3.1) mounting system for the pannier rack, the other side a back carrying system with ergonomic shoulder straps. The metamorphosis is achieved by folding the so-called flap from one side to the other. More on this below in the article. Inside the Vario High Vis there is a padded laptop compartment with an additional zip pocket for small items. You can also stow your keys or smartphone in the flap. But beware, "not waterproof" is written on a label inside this zip compartment. Otherwise, the rucksack/bag is 100 per cent waterproof, provided it is properly closed. Access to the inside of the rucksack or bag is via a roll-top fastener, which can be variably adjusted to the amount of contents. The width of Ortlieb's quick-change artist can also be adjusted using the flap, turning it into a compact piece of luggage.

A chest strap provides more carrying comfort and a water bottle can be stowed in a mesh pocket on the side - more for use as a rucksack than as a pannier. The side reflectors familiar from Ortlieb ensure visibility. The High Vis version that we tested has reflective yarn in both the flap and the shoulder straps. Incidentally, the Vario models without High Vis can also be fitted with a new flap for 90 euros.

Sustainability

Ortlieb manufactures the Vario sustainably in Germany - for example, it currently produces two thirds of the electricity it needs itself. The website provides information on the ecological footprint for almost every product. In order to compensate for the Vario, a total of 13.7 kilos of CO2 must be saved. "Leave your car at home and drive144.2 kilometres by bike to offset this product" is written there and also that this calculation is based on the EU target of 95 grams of CO2/km for all new vehicles from 2020.

Ortlieb Vario High Vis backpack

The ergonomic straps of the combi rucksack ensure that the rucksack can be carried comfortably. The TPU back padding, which is also used on the Commuter Daypack, increases comfort with ventilation channels.

Ortlieb has come up with something for the straps for adjusting the shoulder straps to prevent the ends from hanging down. The ends are attached to themselves with a loop (see picture above).

The flap covers the Quick-Lock system or the shoulder straps, depending on the current use. This means that the straps are securely fastened and do not run the risk of getting caught in the spokes.

The padded laptop compartment is located inside the bag on the side facing the back. This keeps the heaviest item close to your body.

Ortlieb Vario as bike bag

Conversely, when the Vario is used as a bike bag, the laptop is stored on the side facing away from the bike. The weight distribution is not ideal, especially with large laptops.

With the Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system, the bag can be securely attached to the luggage carrier. Once adjusted to fit, it can be attached to and removed from the carrier in one easy step.

The metamorphosis

The practical test

We subjected the Ortlieb Vario to an intensive endurance test and transported it to the editorial office and back countless times. One journey is 26 kilometres long, plus the return journey, often with detours of up to 50 kilometres. And as we all know, the last few months have been less characterised by bright blue skies and sunshine than by snow, rain, hail and the resulting dirty roads and muddy paths. The Vario pannier has had to endure all of this and prove itself time and time again.

No matter how muddy our tours were, the straps always remained sufficiently clean so that we could put the rucksack on without fear of ruining all our clothes. The zip compartment in the flap didn't get wet on the inside despite hours of riding in the rain.

We would have liked to be able to access the small zip compartment in the flap in bike bag mode too, so that we could have our keys to hand quickly.

Carrying the bike with a fully packed bag is heavy. It is easier to convert the bag into a rucksack. We have established the following procedure:

1. Push the bike right up to the door
2. Unhook the flap so that the backpack straps are freely accessible
3. Remove the key
4. Remove bag, put on rucksack
5. Lift the bike and move it to its destination
6. Fix flap, use rucksack

Our practical tip: To avoid one-sided loads, it is advisable to carry the bag alternately on the right and left of the bike.

What we liked

• No matter how muddy it was, the straps of the rucksack stayed clean
• plenty of storage space - it was not uncommon for a complete outfit including shoes to be transported alongside the laptop.
• High visibility thanks to reflectors

That was not so good

• When fully packed, you notice how the weight of the bike pulls to one side
• Time-consuming adjustment of the chest strap

Conclusion

With the Vario, Ortlieb has created a successful quick-change artist. It only takes a few seconds to change from rucksack to pannier and vice versa. As a pannier, the Vario sits securely on the pannier rack; as a rucksack, it sits comfortably on your back. You hardly notice that the Vario weighs over 1.5 kilos when empty. The weight of the fully packed bag was clearly noticeable on the bike.

A good bag/backpack combination for everyday use and shorter journeys. If you regularly cycle long distances, you should consider loading the bike on both sides to avoid imbalances.

Details & variants

• Volume: 26 litres
• Weight: 1550 grammes
• Dimensions: 31 cm wide, 47 cm high, 22 cm deep
• Payload: up to 9 kilos

Variant 1: Vario High Vis (tested)

• Bracket: Quick-Lock2.1
• Price: 235 Euro

Variant 2: Vario

• Bracket: Quick-Lock2.1 (QL2.1) or Quick-Lock3.1 (QL3.1)
• Price: 185 Euro (QL2.1), 200 Euro (QL3.1)